If you’re looking for a side dish that truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and just the right amount of indulgence, Mississippi Mud Potatoes are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender cubes of red potato, hugged by a creamy, cheesy sauce, and punctuated by the irresistible crunch of bacon. Every bite is rich, savory, and just a little bit smoky, making this casserole-style dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any weeknight where you want a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re already a fan or tasting Mississippi Mud Potatoes for the first time, you’re in for a true Southern-inspired treat.

Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Mississippi Mud Potatoes is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each component plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few pro tips to make every bite memorable.

Red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up beautifully, giving you creamy interiors with slightly crisp edges.
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch that balances the creaminess.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Choose a sharp cheddar for the best flavor and melt; it brings gooey richness to every forkful.
Sour cream: This adds tang and creaminess, making the casserole luscious without being heavy.
Mayonnaise: It might sound unusual, but it helps emulsify everything and gives the potatoes that signature silkiness.
Green onions: Chopped fresh, they provide a pop of color and a gentle onion bite throughout.
Garlic powder: Just a touch brings depth and a mellow savory note to the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy, but always taste as you go!
Additional green onions or cheese (optional): Perfect for topping before serving to add extra visual appeal and flavor.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dice the red potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and the perfect bite. If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potatoes for about 5 minutes before mixing—this will help the bake time fly by.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss together your diced potatoes, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Give everything a solid stir until each potato is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. This is the magic moment when all those flavors start to meld.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the potato mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap in steam and bake for 45 minutes. This ensures the potatoes become perfectly tender while the flavors deepen.

Step 4: Uncover and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and slide the dish back into the oven. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese will form a beautiful crust, and the edges will get gorgeously crisp—this is when Mississippi Mud Potatoes really shine.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes to set. Scatter extra green onions or a handful of cheddar cheese on top for that final flourish. Now, you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Garnishes

Mississippi Mud Potatoes practically beg for a little extra love on top. Fresh green onions add a crisp, bright finish, while an extra sprinkle of cheddar melts into a picture-perfect golden layer. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce or thinly sliced jalapeños can bring a gentle kick and a splash of color.

Side Dishes

This hearty side goes fabulously with grilled meats, barbecue chicken, or a slice of honey-glazed ham. If you’re serving a vegetarian spread, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Honestly, Mississippi Mud Potatoes are so satisfying, you might catch yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the dish!

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks, scoop individual portions into ramekins for a fun, personal touch. Hosting a brunch? Serve alongside eggs and fruit for a Southern-inspired spread. You can even turn leftovers into loaded potato pancakes the next day—Mississippi Mud Potatoes are that versatile and forgiving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Mississippi Mud Potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead side for busy weeks or meal prep.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Mississippi Mud Potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave or cover the whole casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, allow extra time and add a splash of milk or cream to keep things creamy and moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of potato for Mississippi Mud Potatoes?

Absolutely! While red potatoes are classic for their texture, Yukon golds or even russets work well—just be aware that russets may break down a bit more during baking, creating an extra creamy casserole.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Try adding a handful of diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the mix before baking. You can also sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that won’t overpower the other flavors.

Is there a way to make Mississippi Mud Potatoes vegetarian?

For a meatless version, simply omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for a savory, umami-packed twist.

Can I prep Mississippi Mud Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover your potatoes with foil and reheat in a moderate oven, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed. This helps lock in moisture and keeps every bite as creamy and delicious as the first time.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the delicious, ultra-comforting side dish you never knew you needed. Every scoop is loaded with cheesy, smoky, and creamy goodness, and it’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters at your table. Give this recipe a try—you just might find it becomes a new family favorite!

Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Mississippi Mud Potatoes is a hearty, cheesy baked potato casserole featuring tender red potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy blend of sour cream and mayonnaise. Perfect as a comforting side dish, this recipe is easy to prepare and bakes into a golden, bubbly delight topped with green onions for a fresh finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Bacon

2 pounds red potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Creamy Components

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Seasonings and Garnish

1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional green onions or cheese for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced red potatoes, cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture.
Initial Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes with the foil on to let the potatoes soften and flavors meld.
Final Baking and Browning: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, and the top is golden and bubbling.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally top with extra shredded cheese or chopped green onions. Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the casserole set.

Notes

Parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before mixing to reduce the baking time.
For a spicy variation, try adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American